This sort of lifespan related bullshit is used and abused for all sorts of reasons. I've seen it used extensively by the pro science people in the creationism/evolution debate and it is their weakest and dumbest point.

"Average lifespan" is almost meaningless without context. In the year 0, 1200, or 1800 you were not expected to drop dead at age 30. You were expected to die at birth. But if you could make through childhood, you could make it to 60 and beyond, just like capitalists.

I could provide references about lifespans in the Middle Ages but fuck that, I'm sick of essays.

You seem to know more than me about this, phalsebob, but wouldn't that life expectancy be greatly influenced by social class, war, natural disaster, etc.? This isn't a critique of your position so much as of the video, which implies that the world has only one life expectancy at any particular point in time.

I'd love to hear how capitalism improved the life expectancy in Ireland during the 1800's. Or in Central Asia today. I'm sure they're working on that video right now.

I don't have the numbers right here but lower classes did die earlier, as after they were worn down, they were difficult to sustain (much like today!). Nobles lived longer due to all the comforts they could afford, and monks and clergy lived the longest, mainly due to a moderate diet. Ninety year olds were rare, but not unheard of.

It says a lot that our Tea Party propaganda and our pharmaceutical ads look exactly alike.

Not meant as a reply. I should sleep tonight.

better living through science / hatred of science

Or, if you want to compare U6 unemployment rates, even better.

...but with a longer life expectancy.

Tell that to Ayn Rand, Milton Friedman or the Koch brothers.

That's what's interesting. 'Capitalism' as such is not even remotely under threat today. Just look at Red China. So, what is actually being defended here?

Tax cuts, by way of rooting for laissez-faire

Because if it's not capitalism, it's barbarian hordes. What a subtle and persuasive dichotomy you've created for yourself.

In 400 years, humans will look back on most of humanity with a deep and unending sense of embarrassment and shame at the fact that we spent over 2000 years giving oligarchy different names and different structures for the powerful to gain and retain power at the expense of all others, all the while bickering over the supposed value of one route to oligarchic ownership of the masses rather than another, different route, that leads to the same people in power claiming ownership over the rest of humanity.